At McGrory Orthodontics, we know every patient’s needs and goals differ. We also know that braces are not the best option for many. Whether you want a discreet appearance, quicker treatment time, or a more personalized care program, we are excited to offer clear aligners as an option.
With almost 20 years in practice, you know Dr. McGrory and Dr. McCarty have you covered no matter which treatment option is right for you.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent trays that straighten the teeth over time by applying pressure in as little as six months. 100% custom-made, clear aligners using top-of-the-line 3D technology allow for the most comfortable and precise treatment possible. We are proud to offer Invisalign and Spark for our adult and teen patients! The aligners have many benefits, such as removability, “invisible” appearance, and low maintenance.
To help you get the most out of your treatment with clear aligners, we have compiled a list of some of the most common issues and how to combat them for a healthy, happy smile.
“Wait, you mean I actually have to wear them?”
Orthodontic technology has come so far in recent years, but unfortunately, the aligners don’t work from a distance. While it would be cool if they could, you do have to wear the aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours a day to straighten your teeth. The adjustment period can be a little uncomfortable, but the more you wear them, the quicker that subsides!
Brush, floss, and rinse!
One of the best parts of Invisalign clear aligners is that they don’t alter your oral hygiene and are super easy to clean! For your teeth and gums, remove the aligners to brush and floss like normal! For the aligners, you run them under lukewarm water and gently brush them with a toothbrush separate from the one used to brush your teeth. Then, put them back on! That’s it!
You need to remove your Invisalign clear aligners to eat or drink anything other than water. To keep the trays as clear as possible, we recommend rinsing the mouth with water after meals to clean the mouth of any residue that could stick to or stain the aligners!
It may seem tedious to brush your teeth and then brush your aligners, but keeping your mouth and trays clean is vital to prevent infection and gross-smelling trays.
Bonus tip
If your aligners need a deeper clean, opt for Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or an unscented antibacterial soap instead of toothpaste because the paste can scratch the aligners.
Before using any product on your aligners, ask Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty if they are safe to use!
Case, please!
The thin and transparent design of Invisalign makes them comfortable to wear — and easy to lose! When not wearing your trays, place them in their protective carrying case. The case will protect them from germs and physical harm. You don’t want your trays to end up in a restaurant trash can or become your pet’s new favorite chew toy.
You’re less likely to lose and break the carrying case, so please remember to take it everywhere.
Stay on schedule.
During your Invisalign treatment, you will be sent home with multiple trays at once. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before you switch to the next set in the series. We know it can be tempting to switch to the next tray early to speed things along; however, we must stress that the more you try to speed up treatment, the longer it could be!
Your treatment was carefully curated for you by Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty. Trying to alter her schedule can alter your teeth movement pattern or damage the aligners or your teeth. Waiting for replacement aligners or getting new ones made because your teeth deviated from the path only prolongs treatment.
We want to see your new smile just as bad as you do! Please wear your aligners as prescribed for a happy, healthy smile as quickly as possible.
Always have extra aligners.
If you lose or break one of your Invisalign clear aligners, it’s okay! There’s no need to panic. To prepare for this scenario, we encourage you to keep your old aligners after switching to the next one. Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty can make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan and order new aligners for you. In the meantime, wearing the previous aligner while waiting for the replacement tray keeps the teeth from shifting too far backward. Remember, you don’t want to skip to the next tray unless Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty tells you to.
Need more Invisalign advice?
At McGrory Orthodontics, our welcoming and inviting team is always here to help you to get the best out of your treatment. Whether you are a new patient and want to learn if Invisalign is right for you or you’re a current patient with a few questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Call or visit us at one of our two convenient locations to schedule a free consultation or checkup appointment! We even offer virtual consultations!
Our entire team looks forward to helping you create the smile you deserve.